busy bodies

(MOMA)

Yes, we're still alive. I miss blogging. I feel like I usually catch up on Sundays, but we have been looking for houses (or Daniel's doing a project). Life has been busy these past few weeks. I went to Mistletoe (womp womp), Secret Church in Birmingham, watched LSU beat Ala-bumble... I could go on. All that to say, I miss writing. 

tailgating before MSU homecoming/ LSU vs. Bama

Geaux Tigers!

Erin- So glad you made the trip! 

in The Junction

Tyler Ellis and Daniel

Emily Francis and baby Francis... due February 9

 Life is so good. After Daniel accepted his job offer, he and his dad jumped on the house search. It's been a tiring process for the both of them. Since Mr. Danny is a realtor, he has been able to save us a lot of time by checking out houses in south Mississippi (probably 40). We have run into many dead ends, but have not given up. I'm thankful Daniel is really interested in house hunting. If it were up to me, I'd be in debt to my ears living in a nice neighborhood in Madison. I took off one Thursday and we headed south. We had a lot of houses in mind and looked at all of them. Every "deal" we found, the foundation was cracked or it was under contract. Needless to say, that day was exhausting. We came back to Starkville down in the dumps. 

I wish.

I wish.

I wish.

The next day was Bulldog Bash in downtown Starkville. Before we got dressed, Daniel and Mr. Danny found a house! We were really excited, but didn't want to get our hopes up. After a long weekend, Daniel and Crawford went to look at the house (in Madison) on Sunday afternoon. I talked to Daniel after my baby shower and he mentioned the foundation was cracked... another dead end. He then began to tell me his dad had found another house in a really good neighborhood in Madison... great news! Bad news was he wanted me to ride back with my mom to look at it. I was so tired, but rode to Madison. The house is... well, picture your great grandmother's house. Anything can be redone, right? The location was GREAT, but the house was okay. I would much rather be by Daniel's office than in the boonies. It is super safe and IN MADISON (which means we won't have a problem reselling it)! His dad put in a bid yesterday and they countered today. We should know more information later in the week - I HOPE SO! If this falls through, back to square 1. 

Back to Bulldog Bash. Since we live downtown, we didn't have to leave our apartment. It was so nice! After work, Daniel and I just sat on the couch listening to the live music. People came by to visit and warm up. It was supposedly cold that night, but to a pregnant woman it was perfect. Jake Owen who sings, "Barefoot Blue Jean Night"came and The Avett Brothers. People were everywhere. I'm NOT a fan of Bulldog Bash, but this might've been the best yet! Daniel and I actually stayed up past our bedtime... 11:30.

Bulldog Bash (before the crowd)

during Jake Owen/ people watching

Anna Pollock and Katherine Cox

Saturday was a blast! Mississippi State played #3 Alabama. A lot of our friends got together at City Bagel and had breakfast. Friends came in from Virginia, Texas and Alabama. It was so good to catch up with everyone. I didn't even remember I was pregnant :) They have been SO helpful to me since June. Not one has passed judgement or said anything negative. All of my (close) friends from Mississippi State have been nothing but loving. From wedding showers to baby showers to calling me to text messaging me... it has been incredible. In a time of "need", they never changed. I am positive I could call them at anytime and they would be here for me. Thank you for the sweet notes and love. Please come visit us wherever we land. I could not have gone through this "trial" without the help of my friends. Y'all are so special to Daniel and me. Thank you.

City Bagel

Btw, I haven't charged my camera since April. All of these blog pictures have been via iPhone.

The game was actually really good. I was surprised we stayed with Alabama. We left at half because the wind was so cold. Thank you for the chair-backs, Baird family! They make the world of a difference. 

Our sweet friend, Houston, who knows every statistic for Mississippi State sports.

Never ask an older lady to take a picture on an iPhone

Go Dawgs!

Sunday funday! After church, mom and 2 of her friends came up for our 1st Baby Shower! I was so excited. It was the first time for momma to see the apartment. After we got ready, we all headed to Martha Kate Buskirk's house. It was decorated so cute! Baby showers are 10,000x more fun than wedding showers. I mean, they're both enjoyable, but baby clothes make everything real. I can picture baby Sims wearing the onesies and bows. The food was great. The company was great. We are so grateful for the precious gifts! Thank you, Martha Kate, Whitney and Amanda! 

As I said, after the shower I headed back to Madison to see the potential new house. We were so tired that night! Speaking of being tired... why didn't anyone inform me the 3rd trimester was just as tiring as the 1st? This week of work, I have looked quite lovely. It's a "no-makeup" kind of week. I literally cannot hold my eyes open at work. I have 5 more days left, YIPEE! My final meeting is on December 6 - just give me my diploma already. 

Yay! You finally came back. 

Clinton crew

diaper cover... so cute!

Sally Beth's creation of diapers!

Last night, I (and 5 other bridesmaids) threw a Holiday Shower for Amanda Pyron. Her wedding is on March 10th, and I'm hoping I'll be 30 pounds lighter (with a healthy baby). The shower was a success! Everyone brought a holiday gift from their favorite holiday. Congratulations, Matt and Amanda! 

Hostesses 

plus Amanda

the bride and me...thanks, iPhone

Names. Names. Names. I am getting more excited about naming this baby and decorating a nursery. I think we've decided on cream, gold and seafoam for the nursery. I like all white, but she needs some color. I'm also liking elephants, too. My sister, Jill, just got into elephants and the more I look at them I want them. They're different! So, we're making progress slowly, but surely. I keep looking at Facebook and people who are months behind me have a name and bedding picked out - gag. With all that being said, I know it will come together. I need to learn patience. I can say... it's officially Harper ___ Sims. Middle name is pending until Thanksgiving. She's approximately 2.9 pounds and 17 inches... the size of a SMALL CABBAGE. She'll change tomorrow (my highlight of the day). We also have a doctor's appointment tomorrow. It's just a check-up, but I hope everything goes well. Mommy is growing, to say the least. Getting dressed has become a job. 

gold, cream and seafoam

Again, I'm sorry this post is EVERYWHERE, but there is so much I want to say. Daniel and I have been discussing a certain topic lately, and I want to share. It will take a while to put it into words, but I will soon blog about it. 

Hope you all have a wonderful week! It's almost Thanksgiving break!

Last thought. If you don't have "Jesus Calling", get it!